Starting Gothic Arches (and Invasion of the Midges - Eurgh!)

Today I have been invaded by midges - eeeeewwwwwwwww! Horrible little black dots, not content with covering my windowsills, there decided to venture further onto my lounge walls *shudder* After an initial panic, I gritted my teeth, sprayed them with fly spray, then took a hot damp cloth and wiped all the walls and windowsill. Mumsy was coming over for a craft afternoon, and I hadn't prepared anything cos of the darned Invasion of the Midges.

But didn't matter, we still got crafting, both of us wanting to start on the Guest Hostess swap for ATC Addicts July/August which is Gothic Arches - Butterflies :) Both of us need to add finishing touches, but here are are works in progress...

Mumsy

She did her best to utilise all resources available here lol! Left background paper is HOTP, right background paper is DCWV. Mumsy added some paper lace, and a trim to both arches along the bottom edges. On the left one, she used some quilled butterflies (Lakeland I think) as well as some sequin flowers, butterfly, and gems. On the right one, she used a couple of K&Co. grand adhesions, more sequin flowers, butterflies and gems. I think she plans to finish them off with a bit of colour around the edge and some ribbon. I wonder if she will see I have put these up on here for all to see...?!

Freaky Deaky Crafty Chick (me!)

I, meanwhile, did my best to utilise the HOTP stamps Mumsy owns that I had asked her to bring with her! Left background paper is Crafty Individuals, right background paper is... hand on, gotta find the pad ad its not one I have used often because the papers are so lush... OK it's Tapestry by C.R. Gibson. Hmm... there is a website on the back... http://www.tapestrybycrgibson.com/

I over stamped the papers using Mumsy's stamps and gold embossing powder. Added lace trim to both arches along the bottom edges. On the left one, I have added a phrase that was printed off onto vellum, and on the right one, I have added a phrase that was printed onto paper. Inked both phrases and chopped them up into individual words so I could place them around the arches to create a frame. Alcohol inked a couple of metal butterflies (recent purchase from ebay!) but haven't stuck them down yet... not sure how mine will be finished off, but... I never let a butterfly rest on my work if I haven't made antennae from wire and beads!!!

Butterfly away from me
Seek happiness while you can
Before you’re trapped in this golden cage
Of pain and loneliness, like I am.

Tristan K. Jones

I didn't use this particular poem, but it is one I like, so I thought I would add it in here just because...

Oh, and by the way, butterflies are better than midges any day of the week!